When a few of these photographs first appeared in the <i>National Geographic</i> magazine January 2009 issue, they were hailed as an arresting reminder of the hundreds of species teetering on the brink of final extinction&#151;more than 1,200 animals and plants in all. Now, in <i>Rare,</i> Joel Sartore and National Geographic present 80 iconic images, representing a lifelong commitment to the natural world and a three-year investigation into the Endangered Species Act and the creatures it exists to protect.<br><br>This book will give readers not only a broader understanding of the history and purpose of the Endangered Species Act, but also an intimate look at the very species it seeks to preserve. With stunning up-close portraits on every page, this important volume evokes sympathetic wonder at the vast and amazing array of plants and animals still in need of protection.<br><br>Itself a creation of particular beauty, <i>Rare</i> offers eloquent proof that a picture really is worth a thousand words as it shows us, one after another, scores of uniquely remarkable and seriously threatened life-forms. It is a compelling story and a many-faceted, brilliant jewel of a book.